Official Jessica Watson Blog

Just a quick update. I’m pleased to report that Mum, Dad and all the kids finally made it home today after 5 days in the flooded campground. They were all a bit muddy and soggy but seemed to have taken the whole thing as an adventure.

The stories, pictures and surreal footage of the latest floodings in Brisbane have been pouring in and as terrible as the damage is, it’s incredible to see everyone pulling together to start on the cleanup effort. Again, my thoughts are with everyone affected and a huge thanks to everyone who donated via the link on my last blog.

I’m going to be down at the Sunshine Plaza at Maroochydore on Sunday lending a hand to the Mooloolaba Lions Club and their fundraising efforts for the Flood Appeal. If you’re in the area, drop in to say hi and make a contribution. We need every cent we can get to help re-build parts of Queensland. We’ll be at centre stage from 1pm to 3pm.

Then I’m heading off to Dusseldorf for the launch of True Sprit in German. I’m told it’s going to be very wintery over there! Brrr.

Great photos of you getting back out on the water, Jessica. I watched some videos of sailing 18 ft. skiffs, and they look like they would be pretty exciting. It’s for sure that won’t be taking my friend, Parker, for a boat ride on one. It would definitely get his head spinning. I’m glad that you’re finding some time in your busy schedule for some fun……..From Seattle, WA, USA…….your fan and friend for life…….SaltyDog

hezakiah299 commented on 03-Feb-2011 08:04 PM

02-03-11 @ 04:04 Hi Jessica, Thanks for the great pictures and especially seeing you having a great time in the Harbour. That’s real “Jessica Time”, and there’s no doubt you were having a good time, I could hear your little giggle in that last pic. Well, maybe it was a bit more than a little giggle…lol… I’m looking forward to when you’re old enough to get into some serious racing. That should be pretty interesting. I’m sure you’ll do well in that also. I’ve been following Laura Dekker but I can’t write to her, I can read her posts but it seems my posts either get blocked or my computer won’t let them go through. She is really having a ball ‘Island Hopping’ and meeting all sorts of people. Her personality is similar to yours, she doesn’t know a stranger. It’s really sad what Queensland is going through and all the problems they have facing them. I only hope and pray that there is only a minimal amount of death and injuries if any. My regards to the family and I hope they are all well and healthy. Take care of yourself, and let us know what you’ve got in store for yourself. Please!!!! Loads of love and hugs. God will guide you down the proper path and hold you in the palm of His hands, and the Angels will be watching over you to keep you safe. Your faithful friend, fan and follower, Michael from Kingwood, WV.

Axel Pries commented on 03-Feb-2011 07:18 AM

Hey Jesse! I think for you it's time for looking foward and because of this you don't feed your blog anylonger. Okey. It's a pitty, you don't spend any word for your trip to germany. Congratulation for your newest honour: young australian of the year. Wow! You're on top of the charts. I like your true spirit!! I'm reading the book in english. Quite interesting but not easy to understand for a not sailing german. (I learnt sailing at school - 30 years ago). Where can I read about your next adventures? Hey - and what about the film you can buy in australia? J

Mary, Maine, USA commented on 02-Feb-2011 12:44 PM

Dear Jess and Queensland Aussies, I've just become aware of cyclone Yasi and am thinking of you, hoping you're all okay. It's Tuesday night here in Maine and we have a huge snowstorm bearing down on us. But all's well. Thinking of you, Mary, Maine, USA

Janell in Oklahoma, USA commented on 02-Feb-2011 06:59 AM

Hi Jessica! ...Congratulations again on winning the Young Australian of the Year award! Even though you had tough competition from other worthy candidates, your supporters have known from the outset of your voyage and even before that) that you are definitely a winner, a winner in every category we could collectively list!!! You're the tops! ....Your recent schedule seems it would be exhausting, even to a spirited young lady like yourself, so it is really good to see photos of you relaxing and enjoying a sail on the Ella Bache 18 Foot Skiff. Keep on taking time for a bit of rest and relaxation because I predict you have a very exciting and exhilarating future ahead of you! ....Be your wonderful self, be smart, stay safe! We love you! ....YOU GO GIRL ....Hugs and prayers, Janell in Oklahoma, USA

Morgane commented on 02-Feb-2011 05:17 AM

Hello Jessica, I'm french ! I regularly see your blog and I read your book (translated into French!). I'm 13 and I too is my dream to circumnavigate the globe under sail. I thought it was completely impossible until you do! I followed you throughout your journey and every day I was a little happier. I would like to realise my dream too ... but it will take a bit!

01-31-11 @ 17:07 Hi Jessica, First of all, congratulations on becoming the “Young Australian of the Year”, it couldn’t have gone to a more worthy person. I have to agree with all the other Jess-a-holics that you do have a very infectious smile. Every time I walk past your picture, I have to return your smile. Sorry to see all the problems you people are going through. I pray for you all and hope it will end soon. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but sometimes it seems like a long tunnel. It’s hard to imagine that there is so much rain. Take care of yourself and the rest of the family, I will keep you and yours in my prayers. God will guide you down the proper path and hold you in the palm of His hands, and the Angels will be watching over you to keep you safe. Your faithful friend, fan and follower, Michael from Kingwood, WV.

Anonymous commented on 31-Jan-2011 08:42 PM

Gotta agree with Brian and Kevin Jess! You actually have one of the greatest smiles ever and a real cracker of a laugh. Everyone smiles when you do. Hope you never change a thing.

Nick Morey commented on 31-Jan-2011 11:39 AM

Congrats on Young Australian of the Year, Jessica! It's so great to see Australia give you the award you so rightly deserve. Your trip has been such a positive note for anyone in the world to appreciate & says so much about the Can Do attitude that prevails in your country. You Australians are definitely a hearty bunch, and could do so much to teach others of how to go about living life properly. Your journey was a shining example of that. Good on ya'!!!

Kevin Oddy commented on 30-Jan-2011 04:55 PM

Congratulations Jess, we are so very proud of you, being made young Australian of the Year. I followed your journey every night to get my "WOW" for the day and now it's great to see that you are receiving the recognition that you rightfully deserve - you are an incredible ambassador for Australia and Australian youth and all other age groups too. - at the age of 70 you have motivated me to look for new challenges - Lots of happiness Kevin

Julia Lynch commented on 30-Jan-2011 01:00 PM

Hi Jess, Well done on young Austrialian of the year you looked pretty in you dress. You are my hero. Julia

Elsie commented on 29-Jan-2011 08:41 PM

Congratulations Jess.. ! You are an inspiration.

Brian commented on 29-Jan-2011 07:10 PM

Good onya Jess. True Aussie Spirit. I agree with Michael, you do have a great smile, don't hide it.

Michael Moch commented on 29-Jan-2011 11:15 AM

Congrats on the award Jesse, you thoroughly deserve it. By the way, you have a lovely smile so don't be ashamed to smile properly. All the best Mick

Eddie Enne commented on 29-Jan-2011 10:52 AM

Today's Inspirational Quote We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started. Henry Ward Beecher Congratulations Jesse! WOW "Young Australian of the year" Best wishes, E&C

Anonymous commented on 28-Jan-2011 08:20 PM

congratulations Jessica on Young Australian of the Year. it is wonderful to follow your new adventures on land. you deserve all the accolades coming your way. good on ya! from the USA

JJ commented on 28-Jan-2011 03:16 PM

Hey Jesse, On ya Jesse!! Well done on firstly doing something so measureable to be nominated and then the ultimate in being awarded the prize. You were amongst some pretty amazing company - so again - congrats and well deserved. Take care, JJ

Beverley hale commented on 28-Jan-2011 01:23 PM

Congrats, Jess, our Young Aussie of the year. Our daughter and her family now live in Canberra and they were at the Concert, but missed your presentation, I was disappointed for them. We are amazed how hectic the pace is for you. I suppose you had 7 months of " me " time, didn't you, so it's like making up for lost time. We are looking forward to you coming to Darwin in your new role. We will be away in Canberra from 23rd April till the 9th May so we are hoping your visit here will NOT be then. There's the Darwin to Ambon or somewhere in Indonesia) race sometime mid year, someone could invite you to crew!!!!!!! Enjoy your new "job", cheers Bob and Bev, near Darwin.

Evie from Bendigo commented on 28-Jan-2011 01:20 PM

Congratulations Jess, so very proud of you, in being made young Australian ofthe Year. I said through out your incredible voyage and your journey into womanhood you are an incredible ambassador for Australia and Australian youth. Love and hugs Evie

Mary, Maine, USA commented on 28-Jan-2011 10:50 AM

Greetings from Maine, Jess! Big Hugs, Joy and Congratulations to you for being chosen Young Australian of the Year. Thanks to Clint Jeffrey, who created a video of the televised award ceremony, some of us Jessicans were able to see the excellent "recap" of your journey as well as your wonderful speech. Jessica, you're doing wonderful work as a model for all young people. For all people who have sparks of dreams, you have reminded us of the importance of staying true to our spirits and fanning the flames to bring our dreams to reality. I wish you continued good health, gracious acts of kindness and solid ground beneath your feet as you continue to make your life decisions. As usual, I DO look forward to hearing all about the next chapter of your dream fulfillment plan!! With all the best, love and appreciation to you, Mary, Maine, USA

Jessica, what an emotional event it was to watch you accept the award for Young Australian of the Year. I had a lump in my throat as I watched the award presentation on video. I hope that you could sense the pride that all of us who followed you every mile of your voyage were feeling for you. And your beautiful family and entire team deserve congratulations also for recognizing and respecting your sincere passion for pursuing your dream and for their dedicated support. Here’s a little thought that I posted on your blog very early in your voyage that I felt fit your spirit and that you proved to the world. "EXCELLENCE can be attained if you CARE more than others think is wise, RISK more than others think is safe, DREAM more than others think is practical, EXPECT more that others think is possible."…….From Seattle, WA, USA…..your friend and fan for life……SaltyDog

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